Two Brothers’ new chef is mixing things up

Since coming on board in April, Don Stansell has been focusing on quality food and an enhanced guest experience in his new position as executive chef at Two Brothers Tap House & Brewery in Scottsdale.

“I like the feeling of the family-owned business atmosphere and camaraderie at Two Brothers,” Stansell says.” They’re also growing, and I like to think I might be an instrumental part of that. That’s the reward.”

So far, Stansell has been sourcing local ingredients, instituting proper techniques and cooking methods and building his core team at the craft brewery. Two Brothers has five restaurants- four in Illinois and the Scottsdale location.

Before joining Two Brothers, he was an executive sous chef at the Double Tree Resort by Hilton Worldwide.

Stansell began his career at a sports bar when he was a teenager. After that, he was a saucier in the U.S. Navy, cooking for foreign dignitaries, ambassadors and in the galley on base. After leaving the military, he formalized his education, attending Le Cordon Bleu in Pasadena. Stansell also spent three years training under certified master chef, Fritz Gitschner.

Chef Don Stansell

“My background has shaped my experience in who I am today-the private resorts, the gaming resorts experience and traveling the world with the Navy,” Stansell says. “The first time I worked in a pantry and started building salads and desserts from scratch, I knew I really liked the kitchen feel. The reward for me is the satisfaction of the guest, knowing I was part of that. That was the drive.”

Stansell’s specialty is international cuisine such as South American, Latin and Peruvian dishes. “Seafood is always my favorite thing to prepare,” he says. “Seafood with a good Veracruz or a shrimp ponzu sauce are my go-to ingredients.”

He’s amassed a “couple hundred different recipes,” passed down from mentors. His favorite technique in the kitchen is braising smoking and curing. “It’s a lengthy process and there are a lot of steps involved. You have to have everything right-the dry rubs, the temperature and the process. It’s a delicate balance but when combined properly, you come up with this beautiful brined brisket or smoked pork butt.”

Patrons of Two Brothers can expect to see a new menu in January paired with the restaurants craft brewery offerings. Stansell also plans to add more smoked meats and barbecue dishes along with guest favorites such as avocado toast, hummus plates and charcuterie.

Creativity is Stansell’s No. 1 focus in the kitchen. He recently brought on a new sous chef and once he gets his core team in place they’ll drive preparation, menu and production changes. Stansell runs his kitchen by a mantra taught to him by one of his mentors, Michael Bujold, executive chef at the Shangri-La resort in Oklahoma.

“If the food you’re working with once had life in it, treat it as such and it will always be amazing.”

Event Details

Phoenix Fan Fusion is a family-friendly event where they invite enthusiasts of every fandom, geeks of all kinds, creators, artists, entertainers, cosplayers, fans, and friends to join their family and

Event Details

Phoenix Fan Fusion is a family-friendly event where they invite enthusiasts of every fandom, geeks of all kinds, creators, artists, entertainers, cosplayers, fans, and friends to join their family and experience what they embrace as their culture, our world, and our passions. There’s a bit of geek in us all. Come discover your inner geek at Phoenix Fan Fusion.

What to do at phoenix fan fusion

Make friends: meet like-minded people and make friends just like you. If you have a burning passion hotter than the intensity of 1000 suns, join thousands of fans just like you, share your passion, and explore new fandoms.

Dress up: from novice to expert to professional, costumes are a big part of Phoenix Fan Fusion. You should expect to see lots of popular characters from comic books, movies, and tv shows. So, dust off that old costume or put something new together and strut your stuff! If you’re not the cosplayer type, that’s okay too. Take in the sites, do a little “cosplay watching”, or ask one of our many costumed attendees for a quick picture to commemorate the day.

Celebrities: meet your favorite comic book authors and writers, movie and tv stars, pop culture icons, and fandom celebrities. Guest panels give you an opportunity to hear guests talk about past, current, and upcoming projects, and sometimes answer questions from the audience. Purchase a professional photo with you and a guest or buy an autographed photo.

Panels and events: join all the geek-themed fun during the countless hours of programming. From games, demonstrations, debates, meet-ups, crafts, costuming, workshops, contests, and signature events, there’s plenty to do during the weekend. Most panels are family-friendly and many are designed for kids and families.

Gaming: whether it’s playing arcade games, joining the multiple e-gaming tournaments, or jumping into a table top game, get your game on at Phoenix Fan Fusion. Spend some time in a virtual world, visit the gaming showcase to see new and upcoming games, or follow along with the live stream from inside the gaming hall. It’s a gamer’s paradise!

Phoenix Fan Fusion is 4 days of fun for geeks of all ages. Memorial day weekend, 2019 Phoenix Fan Fusion is the place to be. Discover your inner geek!

Time

23 (Thursday) 10:00 a.m. - 26 (Sunday) 5:00 p.m.

Location

Phoenix Convention Center

1000 N. Third Street, Phoenix.

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